Des Plaines, Ill. (Feb. 9, 2023) – Do you want to know more about early childhood, 1-12 grades or special education college programs? Are you looking for a summer, part-time or even full-time position working with children? Prospective and currently enrolled students and those looking for new job opportunities are invited to attend a free – open to the public – Early Childhood and 1-12 Education Career and Transfer Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. - noon at Oakton College.
The annual event includes an exhibitor fair, panels and workshops. Attendees can attend from one to all sessions. Seminars and workshops will cover the following topics:
Participants interested to learn more about Oakton’s education degree and certificate programs will have a chance to speak with faculty and staff about various programs and scholarships the College offers. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution can connect with representatives from 15 schools, including National Louis University, Eastern Illinois University, Elmhurst University, Northeastern Illinois University and Dominican University.
In addition, attendees looking for new job opportunities can meet with more than 20 local employers, including Infant Welfare Society of Evanston, Swift Child Care Early Childhood Centers, Reba Early Learning Center, Robert Crown Creative Play Preschool, Bright Horizons, Illinois Action for Children, Park Ridge Park District Preschool, Niles Township District for Special Education, Oakton College and many more.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 63,100 openings for preschool teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
"Early childhood educators guide the foundation of learning and positive social-emotional development in young children. At Oakton, we're proud to offer an Early Childhood Education Program to train and prepare students for this important job. We offer a diverse set of study options so you can choose the best path for you,” says Paula Luszcz, Oakton ECE professor and department chair.
ECE students at Oakton are eligible for the Illinois Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) scholarships. Students currently in the ECE workforce and those looking to join it are encouraged to apply for funding. Oakton also offers stipends to cover the cost of coursework, fees, books and supplies. For more information, please email ECACE@oakton.edu.
To learn more about the Fair, please visit the event page. The event will take place at the TenHoeve Center and Student Street at Oakton’s Des Plaines Campus, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines, Ill.